Antioxidant Berry Blast Smoothie

Photo by mellowfood

How often do you read or hear someone talking about antioxidants? They’re all the rage. Foods and supplements high in antioxidants are held in high esteem, and for good reason.

Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules, better known as free radicals. Free radicals are produced through the process of oxidation, which is the interaction between oxygen and other molecules. A rusty car bumper is an example of damage from oxidation.

Your body produces free radicals when your cells use oxygen, as is the case when breaking down food and exercising. Exposure to environmental toxins like smoke and radiation also produce free radicals. Free radicals are implicated in a number of diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Antioxidants to the rescue!

Antioxidants are “free radical scavengers”, and prevent and repair damage done by free radicals. Therefore, consuming foods high in antioxidants is great for your health. Antioxidants are found in many foods, with some of the top sources being fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, whole grains, and some meats, poultry and fish.

The antioxidant capacities of food is measured using the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) scale, of which berries score very high. Hence, the name of this smoothie recipe.

I like to get bags of frozen mixed berries, which you can find at your local health food or grocery store. Go organic whenever possible.

Now to fighting those free radicals with some antioxidant power. Enjoy!

Antioxidant Berry Blast Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup of mixed frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries)
• 1/4 cup goji berries
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• A dash of sea salt

The Add-ons

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
• 1/4 cup coconut shreds or flakes
• 1 serving of your preferred protein powder

Show Time

Add the ingredients into your blender and blend on high for 30-45 seconds or until your desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 278
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 28g
• Vitamin A: 138% RDA
• Vitamin C: 36% RDA
• Calcium: 15% RDA
• Iron: 16% RDA

As always, comments about this smoothie are both welcomed and encouraged. Happy blending!